Summer Solstice Picks on PBS

Grantchester, Professor T and more

It’s now summer and while there is lots to do outside, it’s also hot. So, for those times when you’re hiding from the latest heat dome, here are some mystery picks to be found on PBS. (Many of my reviews cover what only lives on Britbox or Acorn these days but PBS still has good ones you can view with its Passport.)

To begin with two series with new seasons being shown now, Grantchester and Professor T. Though I stopped watching Grantchester during its eight season last year, I returned to it as the new ninth season promised a new vicar detective. Will Davenport – the vicar starting in season four – finally leaves at the beginning of nine. He is self indulgent and smarmy so good riddance. What makes the show still very watchable is Robson Green as DI Geordie Keating. A compassionate, sometimes failed individual but always a good down-to-earth copper. The travails of Leonard Finch, defrocked as a cleric because gay, is another winning element as is Sylvia Chapman, the very devout housekeeper. So back on my recommended list.

I first watched Professor T in its original Belgian version (which can be found via Walter Presents on the PBS Passport, along with many other great foreign language shows.) The British version that now plays on PBS is not as good as the original but — now in its new third season — I will continue to watch. If you haven’t yet enjoyed the excellent French series of Astrid, that too is on Passport (along with the Italian Thou Shall Not Kill).

Annika, Van der Valk, Unforgotten and Miss Scarlet and the Duke are also still available via Passport. And finally, there is always Jeremy Brett’s superlative Sherlock Holmes which can be found sprinkled through the Internet.

So cool off with crime!